Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Step Right Up!

Janna had a brilliant idea and I'm stealing it.

I have a loyal group of people who regularly comment and make me feel like I'm not spewing my thoughts into the stratosphere. I often write with them in mind; sometimes my posts are even influenced by things they've talked about. My stat counter says I get anywhere from 20 to 50 hits per day, but only a handful of people comment.

Who are those other people?

Hints come to me from unexpected places. A comment from my mom that my aunt mentioned the pink shirt Ibis wore to graduation, that she'd only know about if she read that post. An email from a cousin telling me she knows what's going on in my life because she follows my blog, then asks if that's weird. I actually get emails like that from several friends, and no, it's not weird. That's why I'm here.

So, if you come here regularly but don't normally comment, could you? Just for today? I'll keep copying Janna and say you don't even have to out yourself. Log on anonymously and leave a clue so I'll know who you are.

Maybe I'll customize a post for YOU!

23 comments:

Anonymous said...

That's an awesome idea. I heart reading about your adventures you always have such awesome ones... LOL But I'm already trying to be more of commenter and less of a lurker.. :D

Janna Leadbetter said...

Wahoo! Good post. ;)

Travis Erwin said...

This is my first time here, but seeing as to how we seem to read a lot of the same blogs I thought I'd check your out.

I'll add you to my subscribed list.

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Hey LG & Janna!

Travis, welcome! Now I feel guilty that you're not on my blogroll.

*runs off to remedy that*

Erica Orloff said...

Hi! I come here because I am waiting to see when you are getting your little dog! ;-)

And I love your posts.

E

Anonymous said...

Hello. I started coming to your site about a month ago. I found your site through dooce.com, which I am a loyal fan and reader for the past 3 years. I like reading about your adventures and life in Mexico. Thanks, Christine in Florida

WendyCinNYC said...

You know I'M here. Jeez, I can't shut up.

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Erica, that's so sweet. I can't wait to get a puppy either!

Anon, you found me through dooce? Interesting... I don't remember posting there but I love her blog!

*waves at Wendy* :D

Nadine said...

I'm a sporadic poster, but I love reading your blog! Although I do have to say, I didn't have any cockroaches in my house for a while but the day after your blog on the roaches, I saw two!

Janna Leadbetter said...

Holy cow! Just now your Google ad read:

Melanie
Great deals on everything Melanie themed.
Yahoo.com

lol!

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Janna, LOL! For me it's Avila Beach. I feel like I'm being stalked.

Nadine, I'm glad you're here!

Anonymous said...

You caught me!

I'm a filthy lurker and I know it.

I'm off to lurk on Janna's and Wendy's blogs now *giggle*

Sorry I don't comment more often. I'm a little overextended at the moment.

Dolores, the filthy lurker.

Ann (bunnygirl) said...

I read your blog through my blog reader, so I don't know if that counts as a hit. I often just lurk because I don't have much to say. But I like what you're saying! :-)

Unknown said...

it's janet swan from your past life at zoooooom. i'm a total lurker! wait, i did make one comment a week ago or so...

:)

Jes said...

I like apples

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Hey bunnygirl & Janet!

Jes, I know you do, dear. :P

Anonymous said...

Just so you know... There are times when I have started reading your post, then got interrupted and had to go back to it later. So you can pretty much count me for at least two hits. :) It is the nature of my 'job'.

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Turkey, that's good to know!

I wish there was a way that it didn't count ME in the total, but it doesn't seem like an option with the version I use.

colbymarshall said...

haha--can I steal this little gem of an idea? I want to out lurkers, too!

colbymarshall said...

by the way, I s'pose it's safe to say I don't lurk.

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Yes, I know you're here. ;)

Anonymous said...

Hi Melanie!

Cousin Laura here - read your blog weekly....my life is just so boring I never have anything to write to you about!

I am so proud that you are making it there......

Love You!!!!

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Laura! Yay! You were one of them I was trying to out. :)

Thanks. *sniff*